Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts names Hishan Singhawansa as CEO

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Hishan Singhawansa as its new Chief Executive Officer. With over 17 years at the John Keells Group (JKH), Singhawansa steps into leadership at a time to boost Sri Lanka’s arrivals from India, reported to have surged by more than 30% in the first half of 2025.

“Sri Lanka is one of the most accessible and exciting destinations for Indian travellers, just 90 minutes away from Chennai and Bengaluru, and under four hours from Delhi and Mumbai,” said Singhawansa. “With scale, innovation, and consistency, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is ready to elevate these connections, offering luxury, lifestyle, and authentic experiences that resonate deeply with Indian leisure, MICE, and wedding segments.”

“Tourism is about economic transformation and community empowerment,” added Singhawansa. “Our commitment is to be a catalyst for change, ensuring Indian travellers not only experience the best of Sri Lanka but also contribute to uplifting local communities.”